New Machines From Roland

Roland DGA introduced three new machines: its VersaUV LEC-300 UV printer/cutter, and two in its VersaArt RS Series of four-color eco-solvent inkjet printers.

The new VersaUV LEC-300 inkjet printer/cutter is intended for proofs, label and packaging prototypes, as well as short-run production on media up to 30-in. wide. The printer uses Eco-UV inks, offered in five colors (CMYK+white) + clear coat, and features support for a wide range of media options, including metallic and synthetic papers, foils, BOPP, PE, and PET film and flexible substrates. It uses energy-efficient LED lamps to cure the inks, and it prints at a resolution of up to 1440 dpi. The inks do not require de-gassing and can be stretched and applied around curved surfaces and sharp edges without cracking, Roland reports. Speed ranges from 58 sq ft/hr (360 x 720 dpi) to 30 sq ft/hr (720 dpi) and 24 sq ft/hr (1440 dpi).

The printer is driven by the company’s new VersaWorks 3.0 RIP, which allows users to manage up to four Roland devices simultaneously and includes production tools such as the Roland Color System for precise spot-color matching, Max Impact Preset for richer color contrast, variable data printing, embedded ICC profile support, ink-level-adjustment tools, and advanced cropping, tiling, and nesting options.

Roland also debuted its VersaArt RS Series of four-color (CMYK) eco-solvent inkjet printers, which combine technologies from the company’s SolJet Pro III and VersaCamm lines. They’re intended for the production of large indoor and outdoor CMYK graphics, including signs, point-of-purchase, banners, posters, vehicle graphics/wraps, and soft signage applications.

Available in the 54-in. (RS-540) and 64-in. (RS-640) models, the VersaArt roll-fed printers include Roland Intelligent Pass Control Technology and use Eco-Sol Max inks (in 220 or 440-ml cartridges) designed to provide up to three years outdoor durability without lamination. The printers have a top speed of 230 sq ft/hr (222 sq ft/hr for the RS-540) on banner material, and they print at resolutions as high as 1440 x 720 dpi.

Other VersaArt RS features include Roland VersaWorks 3.0 RIP software, an advanced media-handling system with new heavy-duty media shafts and flanges (supports up to 88 lbs on the RS-640, up to 66 lbs on the RS-540), an integrated two-stage heating system that allows users to store individual settings right in the printer, Energy Star Certification, and two-year warranty. A TU2 automated take-up system, for unattended roll-to-roll printing, is optional.